Photoluminescence study of nanocrystalline Y2O3:Ho3+ phosphor

The Y2O3:Ho3+ powder phosphors have been prepared by using low temperature combustion method. Powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopy techniques were used to characterize the as-prepared phosphor. The UV-Vis-NIR absorption, excitation and emission studies have been performed and the phenomenological Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters which are critically important in calculating the radiative properties and stimulated emission cross-section have been calculated by using Judd-Ofelt theory. Based on the calculated values of the inter electronic parameter, covalency and bonding parameter the bonding between the Ho3+ ions and surrounding oxygen atoms have been found to be covalent in nature. The color purity has also been verified by using the chromaticity diagram. The analysis shows that the Y2O3:Ho3+ phosphor may be used for producing the green light emitting diodes and display applications. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.